Crop Divider Hinge Kit and Method

ABSTRACT

Provided is a crop divider hinge kit and method of installation and use that facilitates do-it-yourself retrofitting of existing combine harvester heads to allow their crop dividers to pivot out of the way for transport. Hinge kits may be adapted for use with frames having a square tube portion and may comprise a replacement portion of square tubing pivotably connected with a sleeve portion adapted to receive therein and be affixed to a cut portion of the square tube frame. Quick-disconnect fastening mechanisms may be used in connection with hinge kits, including in connection with removably fastening crop divider support members.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to and incorporates herein byreference U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/866,869 toKiel et al., Entitled Crop Divider Pivotable Conversion Apparatus,System and Method, which was filed Aug. 16, 2013. The presentapplication also incorporates by reference and is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/090,366 to Kiel et al., entitled CropDivider Hinge Kit and Method, which was filed Nov. 26, 2013.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to agricultural machinery, andmore specifically to combine harvester heads having positionally fixedcrop dividers.

BACKGROUND

In harvesting machines such as combines that have a harvester head, itis well known to provide an outer crop divider that extends forward fromthe harvester head in the forward direction of travel of the harvestingmachine, and which serves primarily to separate a particular section ofcrops to be cut from the remainder of the crops. These crop dividershave been designed with the secondary object of raising those crops nearthe divider (in cases where the crops tend to hang over or lie on theground) so that those crops do not become entangled in the harvestingmachine as it passes. Crop dividers have also been designed so that theydo not present sharp corners or edges to the standing crops, which mightbreak the stalks and cause the crops to hang over. To meet the aboverequirements, crop dividers of a semi-conical form have been used, whichpresent a smooth and tapering surface to the crop. The functioning ofharvesting machinery using a crop divider was described in U.S. Pat. No.7,051,503 B2 to Dirk Weichholdt entitled Crop Divider, at FIG. 1 and inColumn 2, line 58 through Column 3, line 32, which patent isincorporated herein by reference as if set forth herein in its entirety.

Crop dividers have had the disadvantage that they have often beenrelatively fixed in position with respect to the harvester head, so thattheir adjustment was of a limited nature only. Thus, an importantdisadvantage of typical crop dividers is that when it is required totransport the harvesting machine, the crop divider cannot be folded andhad to be detached. Detaching, separately transporting, and re-attachingcrop dividers to harvester heads is cumbersome due to their bulky size,and difficult in part because the attachment mechanism is oftenspring-loaded. Accordingly, in practice harvester heads are oftentransported on public roads with the crop dividers in place and stickingout beyond the width of the traffic lane, notwithstanding the safetyrisks. This is the case with the vast majority of old and modernharvesting equipment, even though several other patented systems havelong attempted to address this issue.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 703,497 to John F. Steward, issued Jul. 1,1902 and entitled Grain-Divider For Harvesters, attempted to addressthis issue by providing a mechanism whereby the crop divider could betilted upward and retracted backwards. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No.1,859,208 to Kane Paul and assigned to the International HarvesterCompany, issued May 17, 1932 and entitled Harvester, as well as U.S.Pat. No. 2,209,047 to Edmund M. Asbridge et al. and assigned to theInternational Harvester Company, issued Jul. 23, 1940 and entitledHarvester, likewise attempted to solve this problem by providing cropdividers that could be tilted upward and retracted backwards. U.S. Pat.No. 4,087,954 to Arthur Reese Sr., issued May 9, 1978 and entitledRetractable Crop Gathering Finger Construction, attempted to solve theissue by providing a complex telescoping-retractable crop divider. Allof the patents identified above are incorporated herein by reference asif set forth herein in their entirety. But unfortunately, none of thesemechanisms have been widely adopted in the industry, likely because oftheir complexity, expense, lack of robustness, and their unsuitabilityfor working with the bulkier geometries of modern crop dividers.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,273 B2 to Dirk Weichholdt and assigned to Deere &Company, issued Apr. 6, 2004 and entitled Stalk Divider, took anotherapproach to solving the problem, namely providing a locking pivotingjoint (shown in FIGS. 2-4) as part of a curved, round-cross-section tubethat connected the crop divider to the harvester head (as shown in FIG.1). That patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.While rather complex, the mechanism described in this patent was meantto allow the crop divider to be folded to the side to allow theharvester head to be transported without the necessity of removing thecrop divider from the harvester head. Later on in U.S. Pat. No.7,051,503 B2, issued to the same inventor on May 30, 2006 and entitledCrop Divider, Mr. Weichholdt proposed a simpler structure to use inconnection with the same curved, round-cross-section tube. Both of thesepatents admitted in their specifications that pivoting crop headdividers were already patented in at least three prior patents, namelyDE 1 926 441 A, DD 128 878 A, and DE 101 46 768 A, but each uniquedesign was granted a separate patent specific to that design.

While U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,715,273 and 7,051,503 provide potential solutionsfor future products (the present inventors are not aware of thesedesigns having ever been available on the market), this does not helpthe many thousands of owners of existing harvester heads where the cropdividers are fixedly connected to the harvester head by a framecomprising straight sections of square tubing, especially where thereare one or more additional support members connecting the crop dividerto the harvester head. These existing harvester heads could not feasiblybe retrofitted with the designs shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,715,273 and7,051,503, or any of the other designs that have been reviewed. Inpractice none of these designs have been widely adopted, if at all, andthe vast majority of existing combine harvester heads still have fixedcrop dividers that do not pivot. Accordingly, what is needed is asimple, inexpensive, truly feasible technical solution that readilypermits do-it-yourself retrofitting of existing combine harvester headsto allow their crop dividers to easily pivot.

SUMMARY

The present invention elegantly addresses all the above challenges andprovides numerous additional benefits as shown and described herein.Provided in certain example embodiments is a method of converting a cropdivider fixedly connected to a harvester head into a crop dividerpivotably connected to the harvester head, where the crop divider isfixedly connected to the harvester head by a frame comprising squaretubing, the method comprising the steps of: removing the square tubingportion of the frame from the harvester head; cutting off apredetermined length of the square tubing from the end of the squaretubing portion that was connected to the harvester head; connecting acrop divider hinge kit to that portion of the harvester head to whichthe square tubing portion of the frame was connected, the crop dividerhinge kit comprising: a replacement portion of square tubing adapted toconnect to that portion of the harvester head to which the square tubingportion of the frame was connected, and further adapted to replace thepredetermined length of square tubing that was cut off from the frame; asleeve portion pivotably connected with the replacement portion ofsquare tubing and defining a hollow portion having an inner profileapproximating the outer profile of the square tubing and adapted toreceive therein and be affixed to that part of the square tubingcomprising the end of the frame from which the predetermined length ofsquare tubing was cut; the crop divider hinge kit adapted to alternatelylock the crop divider in a first longitudinally extending positionappropriate for use in dividing crops and in a second position extendinglongitudinally approximately perpendicular to the first position, whenthe replacement portion of square tubing is connected to the harvesterhead and the end of the frame from which the predetermined length ofsquare tubing was cut is affixed to sleeve portion; connecting the cropdivider to the crop divider hinge kit by placing the square tubingcomprising the end of the frame from which the predetermined length ofsquare tubing was cut into the hollow portion of the sleeve and affixingsaid tubing to said sleeve; and alternately locking the crop divider ina first longitudinally extending position appropriate for use individing crops and a second position extending longitudinallyapproximately perpendicular to the first longitudinally extendingposition.

Provided in certain example embodiments is a method of converting a cropdivider fixedly connected to a harvester head into a crop dividerpivotably connected to the harvester head, where the crop divider isfixedly connected to the harvester head by a frame comprising squaretubing, the method comprising the steps of: removing the square tubingportion of the frame from the harvester head; cutting off apredetermined length of the square tubing from the end of the squaretubing portion that was connected to the harvester head; connecting cropdivider hinge means to that portion of the harvester head to which thesquare tubing portion of the frame was connected, the crop divider hingemeans comprising: means for connecting a hinge to that portion of theharvester head to which the square tubing portion of the frame wasconnected, and for replacing the predetermined length of square tubingthat was cut off from the frame; means for pivotably connecting thehinge to that part of the square tubing comprising the end of the framefrom which the predetermined length of square tubing was cut; means foralternately locking the crop divider in a first longitudinally extendingposition appropriate for use in dividing crops and in a second positionextending longitudinally approximately perpendicular to the firstposition, when the hinge is installed and connecting the crop divider tothe harvester head; connecting the crop divider to the crop dividerhinge means; and alternately locking the crop divider in a firstlongitudinally extending position appropriate for use in dividing cropsand a second position extending longitudinally approximatelyperpendicular to the first longitudinally extending position.

Provided in certain example embodiments is a method of transporting aharvester head having a plurality of crop dividers fixedly connectedthereto by frames comprising square tubing, the method comprising thesteps of: removing the square tubing portion of the frame from theharvester head; cutting off a predetermined length of the square tubingfrom the end of the square tubing portion that was connected to theharvester head; connecting a crop divider hinge kit to that portion ofthe harvester head to which the square tubing portion of the frame wasconnected, the crop divider hinge kit comprising: a replacement portionof square tubing adapted to connect to that portion of the harvesterhead to which the square tubing portion of the frame was connected, andfurther adapted to replace the predetermined length of square tubingthat was cut off from the frame; a sleeve portion pivotably connectedwith the replacement portion of square tubing and defining a hollowportion having an inner profile approximating the outer profile of thesquare tubing and adapted to receive therein and be affixed to that partof the square tubing comprising the end of the frame from which thepredetermined length of square tubing was cut; the crop divider hingekit adapted to alternately lock the crop divider in a firstlongitudinally extending position appropriate for use in dividing cropsand in a second position extending longitudinally approximatelyperpendicular to the first position, when the replacement portion ofsquare tubing is connected to the harvester head and the end of theframe from which the predetermined length of square tubing was cut isaffixed to sleeve portion; connecting the crop divider to the cropdivider hinge kit by placing the square tubing comprising the end of theframe from which the predetermined length of square tubing was cut intothe hollow portion of the sleeve and affixing said tubing to saidsleeve; repeating each of the above steps for each crop divider fixedlyconnected to the harvester head by a frame comprising square tubing;locking each crop divider in first longitudinally extending positionsappropriate for use in dividing crops; attaching the harvester head to acombine; harvesting crops using the harvester head and the combine;detaching the harvester head from the combine; locking each crop dividerin second positions extending longitudinally approximately perpendicularto the first longitudinally extending positions; loading the harvesterhead on a trailer; and transporting the harvester head on a public roadfrom a first location to a second location.

In certain example embodiments the step of affixing said tubing to saidsleeve may further comprise drilling holes through said tubing usingholes in the sleeve as a template to guide the drilling. In certainexample embodiments the step of affixing said tubing to said sleeve mayfurther comprise fastening said tubing to said sleeve with one or morefasteners. In certain example embodiments the step of affixing saidtubing to said sleeve may further comprise welding said tubing to saidsleeve. In certain example embodiments the sleeve portion of the cropdivider hinge kit may comprise second square tubing. In certain exampleembodiments the second square tubing may comprise a first portioncomprising a top wall and a bottom wall separated by opposing first andsecond side walls, the first or second side wall being partiallycut-away to form a pivot clearance window.

In certain example embodiments the replacement portion of square tubingis pivotably connected with the sleeve portion by a pivot member thatpasses from the top wall of the second square tubing, through thereplacement portion of square tubing, to the bottom wall of the secondsquare tubing, the pivot member positioned proximate the pivot clearancewindow such that the sleeve portion can pivot relative to thereplacement portion of square tubing about the pivot member from a firstposition where the replacement portion of square tubing extendscoaxially with the sleeve portion, to a second position where thelongitudinal axis of the replacement portion of square tubing extendsthrough the pivot clearance window and approximately perpendicularly tothe longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion.

In certain example embodiments the step of locking the crop divider in afirst longitudinally extending position appropriate for use in dividingcrops further comprises: pivoting the sleeve portion relative to thereplacement portion of square tubing about the pivot member to the firstposition where the replacement portion of square tubing extendscoaxially with the sleeve portion; and inserting a locking memberthrough the top wall of the second square tubing, through thereplacement portion of square tubing, and through the bottom wall of thesecond square tubing.

In certain example embodiments the step of locking the crop divider in asecond position extending longitudinally approximately perpendicular tothe first longitudinally extending position further comprises: removingthe locking member; pivoting the sleeve portion relative to thereplacement portion of square tubing about the pivot member to thesecond position where the longitudinal axis of the replacement portionof square tubing extends through the pivot clearance window andapproximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the sleeveportion; and inserting the locking member through the replacementportion of square tubing and simultaneously adjacent to recesses formedin the outer edges of the top and bottom walls of the second squaretubing adjacent the pivot clearance window.

In certain example embodiments pivot member consists of a fastener thatpasses through the top wall, through the square tubing, and through thebottom wall. In certain example embodiments pivot member comprises afastener having a shaft circumferentially surrounded by acompression-limiting spacer. In certain example embodiments lockingmember is selected from the group consisting of: a fastener, a pin, abutton handle ball lock pin, a detent pin, a torsion clip, hair pinclip.

In certain example embodiments crop divider is further connected to theharvester head by a support member extending above the square tubingfrom the crop divider to the harvester head, the support member attachedto the harvester head with a fastener, the method further comprising thestep of: replacing the fastener with a quick-disconnect fasteningmechanism; wherein the step of locking the crop divider in the firstlongitudinally extending position further comprises the step ofattaching the support member to the harvester head by fastening thequick-disconnect fastening mechanism; and wherein the step of lockingthe crop divider in the second position extending longitudinallyapproximately perpendicular to the first longitudinally extendingposition further comprises the step of detaching the support member fromthe harvester head by unfastening the quick-disconnect fasteningmechanism.

In certain example embodiments step of connecting the crop divider hingekit to that portion of the harvester head to which the square tubingportion of the frame was connected further comprises: fastening the cropdivider hinge kit to the harvester head using fasteners that hadfastened the cut-off portion of the square tubing to the harvester head.

In certain example embodiments the square tubing comprisesone-and-one-half-inch by one-and-one-half-inch nominal outside width andheight ASTM A500 square tubing, and the sleeve portion comprisestwo-inch by two-inch nominal outside width and height ASTM A500 squaretubing with 5 Gauge (0.220 inch) nominal wall thickness.

Additional aspects, alternatives and variations as would be apparent topersons of skill in the art are also disclosed herein and arespecifically contemplated as included as part of the invention. Theinvention is set forth only in the claims as allowed by the patentoffice in this or related applications, and the following summarydescriptions of certain examples are not in any way to limit, define orotherwise establish the scope of legal protection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures illustrate certain aspects of exampleembodiments of the invention, where like numbers in various figuresrepresent like components or steps.

FIG. 1 is a right side elevation view of an example crop divider fixedlyconnected to an example harvester head.

FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view of the assembly of FIG. 1, showingthe crop divider being disassembled from the harvester head.

FIG. 3 is a right side elevation view of the disassembled parts fromFIG. 2, depicting a length L being cut from the frame of the cropdivider.

FIG. 4 is a right side elevation view of the crop divider of FIG. 3after cutting, depicting an example crop divider hinge kit beingpositioned for assembly with the remaining portion of the crop dividerframe and the harvester head.

FIG. 5 is a right side elevation view of the crop divider of FIG. 4after the example crop divider hinge kit has been initially assembledwith the remaining portion of the crop divider frame (alternatively, thecrop divider hinge kit may be assembled first to the harvester head; allsteps herein may be completed in any suitable order).

FIG. 6 is a right side elevation view of the crop divider of FIG. 5 withthe example crop divider hinge kit initially assembled with theremaining portion of the crop divider frame, further depicting anexample attachment means, namely drilling one or more fastener clearanceholes through the crop divider frame using holes in the body of thehinge kit assembly as a guide or template.

FIG. 7 is a right side elevation view of the crop divider of FIG. 6,depicting fastening the crop divider hinge kit to the crop divider framewith one or more fasteners.

FIG. 8 is a right side elevation view of the crop divider of FIG. 7,depicting connecting the crop divider/hinge kit assembly to theharvester head with the crop divider facing in the forward direction forharvesting crops.

FIG. 9 is a right side elevation view of the crop divider of FIG. 8,depicting removing an example locking member to allow the crop dividerto pivot.

FIG. 10 is a right side elevation view of the crop divider of FIG. 9,depicting the crop divider having been pivoted to a positionapproximately perpendicular to the forward facing direction of FIG. 8,showing the reinsertion of the example locking member to lock the cropdivider in place.

FIG. 11 is a right side elevation view of the crop divider of FIG. 10,depicting the example locking member having been reinserted to lock thecrop divider in place. The steps shown in FIG. 9 through FIG. 11 cansubsequently be reversed or repeated to alternately pivot the cropdivider.

FIG. 12 is a right side elevation view of the example crop divider andharvester head of FIG. 1, further comprising an additional supportmember connecting the crop divider to the harvester head.

FIG. 13 is a right side elevation view of the example crop divider andharvester head of FIG. 12, depicting the disassembly of the crop dividerfrom the harvester head, and the provision of a quick-disconnectapparatus to facilitate rapid removal and replacement of the supportmember during pivoting of the crop divider when processed as otherwiseshown in FIG. 3 through FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 depicts a crop divider hinge kit assembly locked in theforward-facing direction according to one example embodiment, with 14Fbeing a front elevation view, 14T being a top plan view thereof, 14Bbeing a bottom view thereof, 14R being a right side elevation viewthereof, 14L being a left side elevation view thereof, and 14K being aback side elevation view thereof.

FIG. 15 depicts the example crop divider hinge kit assembly of FIG. 14locked in a direction approximately perpendicular to the forward-facingdirection shown in FIG. 14, with 15F being a front elevation view, 15Tbeing a top plan view thereof, 15B being a bottom view thereof, 15Rbeing a right side elevation view thereof, 15L being a left sideelevation view thereof, and 15K being a back side elevation view thereof

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of an example harvester head connected withan example combine or other harvesting machinery, where the harvesterhead includes a plurality of crop dividers pivotably attached theretowith an example crop divider hinge kit, with the crop dividers shownfacing in the forward direction for harvesting crops.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the example harvester head assembly ofFIG. 16, with the crop dividers shown pivoted to a positionapproximately perpendicular to the forward facing direction of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the example harvester head assembly ofFIG. 17, depicting the removal of the harvester head from the examplecombine or other harvesting machinery.

FIG. 19 is a right side elevation view of the crop divider, harvesterhead, and hinge kit assembly of FIG. 10, shown disconnected from acombine or other harvesting machinery and loaded on an example trailerfor transport on public roads, with the crop divider(s) having beensafely pivoted and locked into position(s) approximately perpendicularto the forward facing direction used for harvesting crops.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference is made herein to some specific examples of the presentinvention, including any best modes contemplated by the inventor forcarrying out the invention. Examples of these specific embodiments areillustrated in the accompanying figures. While the invention isdescribed in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will beunderstood that it is not intended to limit the invention to thedescribed or illustrated embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended tocover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be includedwithin the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by any claimswhich may be allowed in this or any related patent application.

With reference to FIGS. 1-19, provided in various example embodiments isa method 1000 of converting a crop divider 10 fixedly connected to aharvester head 20 into a crop divider 10 pivotably connected to theharvester head 20, where the crop divider 10 is initially fixedlyconnected to the harvester head 20 by a frame 30 comprising squaretubing 40. The term “fixedly connected” as used herein may include somerelative movement between the crop divider 10 and the harvester head 20,such as a suspension. In various example embodiments the method maycomprise the steps of: removing the square tubing portion 40 of theframe 30 from the harvester head 20; cutting off a predetermined lengthL of the square tubing 40 from the end 42 of the square tubing portion40 that was connected to the harvester head 20; and connecting a cropdivider hinge kit 50 to that portion 22 of the harvester head 20 towhich the square tubing portion 40 of the frame 30 was connected. Invarious example embodiments the step of connecting the crop dividerhinge kit 50 to that portion 22 of the harvester head 20 to which thesquare tubing portion 40 of the frame 30 was connected may beaccomplished using one or more fasteners 370 that had fastened thecut-off portion 42 of the square tubing 40 to the harvester head 20. Inone example embodiment where the harvester head 20 is a John Deere 640FDHydraFlex™ Draper Platform, predetermined length L may be about ten anda half inches; however, any suitable length L may be used for this orother applications as will be apparent to persons of skill in the art.

With reference to FIGS. 4-19, in various example embodiments the cropdivider hinge kit 50 may comprise: a replacement portion 60 of squaretubing 40 adapted to connect to that portion 22 of the harvester head 20to which the square tubing portion 40 of the frame 30 was connected, andfurther adapted to replace the predetermined length L of square tubing40 that was cut off from the frame 30; a sleeve portion 70 pivotablyconnected with the replacement portion 60 of square tubing 40 anddefining a hollow portion 80 having an inner profile 90 approximatingthe outer profile 100 of the square tubing 40 and adapted to receivetherein and be affixed to that part of the square tubing 40 comprisingthe end 44 of the frame 30 from which the predetermined length L ofsquare tubing 40 was cut. In various example embodiments the cropdivider hinge kit 50 may be adapted to alternately lock the crop divider10 in a first longitudinally extending position 110 appropriate for usein dividing crops (not shown here, but the process is illustrated inFIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,087,954, separately incorporated herein) andin a second position 120 extending longitudinally approximatelyperpendicular to the first position, when the replacement portion 60 ofsquare tubing 40 is connected to the harvester head 20 and the end 44 ofthe frame 30 from which the predetermined length L of square tubing 40was cut is affixed to sleeve portion 70.

The method described above may further comprise the steps of connectingthe crop divider 10 to the crop divider hinge kit 50 by placing thesquare tubing 40 comprising the end 44 of the frame 30 from which thepredetermined length L of square tubing 40 was cut into the hollowportion 80 of the sleeve 70 and affixing said tubing 40 to said sleeve70; and alternately locking the crop divider 10 in a firstlongitudinally extending position 110 appropriate for use in dividingcrops (see, e.g., FIG. 1 in U.S. Pat. No. 4,087,954) and a secondposition 120 extending longitudinally approximately perpendicular to thefirst longitudinally extending position 110, for instance for use intransporting the harvester head 20. In various example embodiments theterm “approximately perpendicular” as used herein may be a ninety degreeangle, plus or minus normal variations due to manufacturing andassembly. For example, the term “approximately perpendicular” may be aninety degree angle, plus or minus fifteen degrees or less. The term“locking” as used herein should be interpreted broadly to includelatching, fixing, or any other term that describes the functionality ofholding the crop divider 10 in place until the user desires to pivot it.

With reference to FIGS. 1-19, provided in various example embodiments isa method of transporting a harvester head 20 having a plurality of cropdividers 10 fixedly connected thereto by frames 30 comprising squaretubing 40, the method comprising the steps of: removing the squaretubing portion 40 of the frame 30 from the harvester head 20; cuttingoff a predetermined length L of the square tubing 40 from the end 42 ofthe square tubing portion 40 that was connected to the harvester head20; and connecting a crop divider hinge kit 50 to that portion 22 of theharvester head 20 to which the square tubing portion 40 of the frame 30was connected. The crop divider hinge kit 50 may be constructed aspreviously described herein. In various example embodiments the methodmay further comprise the steps of connecting the crop divider 10 to thecrop divider hinge kit 50 by placing the square tubing 40 comprising theend 44 of the frame 30 from which the predetermined length L of squaretubing 40 was cut into the hollow portion 80 of the sleeve 70 andaffixing said tubing 40 to said sleeve 70; and repeating each of theabove steps for each crop divider 10 fixedly connected to the harvesterhead 20 by a frame 30 comprising square tubing 40. In various exampleembodiments the method may further comprise the steps of locking eachcrop divider 10 in first longitudinally extending positions 110appropriate for use in dividing crops (see, e.g., FIG. 1 in U.S. Pat.No. 4,087,954); attaching the harvester head 20 to a combine 130;harvesting crops (see, e.g., FIG. 1 in U.S. Pat. No. 4,087,954) usingthe harvester head 20 and the combine 130; detaching the harvester head20 from the combine 130; locking each crop divider 10 in secondpositions 120 extending longitudinally approximately perpendicular tothe first longitudinally extending positions 110; loading the harvesterhead 20 on a trailer 140; and transporting the harvester head 20 on apublic or private road from a first location to a second location.

With reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 14, and 15, in various example embodimentsthe step of affixing said tubing 40 to said sleeve 70 may furthercomprise drilling or otherwise forming holes 180 through said tubing 40using holes 190 in the sleeve 70 as a template to guide the drilling orother hole formation techniques. In various example embodiments the stepof affixing said tubing 40 to said sleeve 70 may further comprisefastening said tubing 40 to said sleeve 70 with one or more fasteners200. In various example embodiments the step of affixing said tubing 40to said sleeve 70 may comprise welding said tubing 40 to said sleeve 70.In various example embodiments the sleeve portion 70 of the crop dividerhinge kit 50 may also comprise hollow square tubing, for instance hollowsquare tubing that is large enough to receive within itself squaretubing 40 (hereafter, in this example embodiment, second square tubing70). In other embodiments sleeve 70 could have any other suitablegeometry, including a round outer diameter, or any other combinations ofshapes. In various example embodiments the second square tubing 70 maycomprise a first portion 220 comprising a top wall 230 and a bottom wall240 separated by opposing first and second side walls, 250, 260respectively, the first side wall 250 or second side 260 wall beingpartially cut-away in a second portion 225 to form a pivot clearancewindow 270.

With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, in various example embodiments thereplacement portion 60 of square tubing 40 is pivotably connected withthe sleeve portion 70 by a pivot member 280 that passes from the topwall 230 of the second square tubing 70, through the replacement portion60 of square tubing 40, to the bottom wall 240 of the second squaretubing 70. In various example embodiments the pivot member 280 may bepositioned proximate the pivot clearance window 270 such that the sleeveportion 70 can pivot relative to the replacement portion 60 of squaretubing 40 about the pivot member 280 from a first position 110 where thereplacement portion 60 of square tubing 40 extends coaxially with thesleeve portion 70, to a second position 120 where the longitudinal axisof the replacement portion 60 of square tubing 40 extends through thepivot clearance window 270 and approximately perpendicularly to thelongitudinal axis of the sleeve portion 70. In various exampleembodiments pivot member 280 consists of a fastener that passes throughthe top wall 230, through the square tubing 40, and through the bottomwall 240. In various example embodiments fasteners 200 and/or pivotmember 280 may comprise a shaft circumferentially surrounded by acompression-limiting spacer (not shown), such as a hollow steelcylinder, that may be used inside the tubing 40, 60 to strengthen thetubing 40, 60 against the compressive forces of fasteners 220, 280, ormay pass through the tubing 40, 60 along with the fasteners 220, 280 andbe used to limit the amount of compressive forces applied to the tubing40, 60 by the fasteners 220, 280, as is known in the mechanical arts.

With reference to FIGS. 8-17, in various example embodiments the step oflocking the crop divider 10 in a first longitudinally extending position110 appropriate for use in dividing crops further comprises: pivotingthe sleeve portion 70 relative to the replacement portion 60 of squaretubing 40 about the pivot member 280 to the first position 110 where thereplacement portion 60 of square tubing 40 extends coaxially with thesleeve portion 70; and inserting a locking member 290 through the topwall 230 of the second square tubing 70, through the replacement portion60 of square tubing 40, and through the bottom wall 240 of the secondsquare tubing 70. In various example embodiments locking member 290 maycomprise, for example, a fastener, a pin, a button handle ball lock pin,a detent pin, a torsion clip, hair pin clip, or any other suitablestructure, many examples of which are typically available fromcommercial hardware providers such as W.W. Grainger, Inc. via its onlinecatalog, or on ebay.com.

With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, in various example embodiments thestep of locking the crop divider 10 in a second position 120 extendinglongitudinally approximately perpendicular to the first longitudinallyextending position 110 further comprises: removing the locking member290; pivoting the sleeve portion 70 relative to the replacement portion60 of square tubing 40 about the pivot member 280 to the second position120 where the longitudinal axis of the replacement portion 60 of squaretubing 40 extends through the pivot clearance window 270 andapproximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the sleeveportion 70; and inserting the locking member 290 through the replacementportion 60 of square tubing 40 and simultaneously adjacent to recesses300 formed in the outer edges 310 of the top wall 230 and the bottomwall 240 of the second square tubing 70 adjacent the pivot clearancewindow 270. Such recesses 300 may be sized and shaped to correspond tothe locking member 290 to better position the locking member 290 and toreduce wear on the outer edges 310 of the top wall 230 and the bottomwall 240 that contact the locking member 290. Note that for purposes ofclear illustration of concepts the designs throughout all the Figuresare not necessarily to scale.

With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, in various example embodiments cropdivider 10 is further connected to the harvester head 20 by one or moresupport members 340 extending above the square tubing 40 from the cropdivider 10 to the harvester head 20, the support member 340 attached tothe harvester head 20 with a fastener 350. In various exampleembodiments the method further comprising the step of: replacing thefastener 350 with a quick-disconnect fastening mechanism 360; whereinthe step of locking the crop divider 10 in the first longitudinallyextending position 110 further comprises the step of attaching thesupport member 340 to the harvester head 20 by fastening thequick-disconnect fastening mechanism 360; and wherein the step oflocking the crop divider 10 in the second position 120 extendinglongitudinally approximately perpendicular to the first longitudinallyextending position 110 further comprises the step of detaching thesupport member 340 from the harvester head 20 by unfastening thequick-disconnect fastening mechanism 360. Any suitable quick-disconnectfastening mechanism 360 may be used, such as a button handle ball lockpin, a detent pin, a torsion clip, a Dzus fastener, or a hair pin clip,for instance, many examples of which are typically available fromcommercial hardware providers such as W.W. Grainger, Inc. via its onlinecatalog, or on ebay.com.

With reference to FIGS. 1-19, in various example embodiments the squaretubing 40 may comprise one-and-one-half-inch by one-and-one-half-inchnominal outside width and height ASTM A500 square steel tubing, and thesleeve portion 70 may comprise two-inch by two-inch nominal outsidewidth and height ASTM A500 square steel tubing with 5 Gauge (0.220 inch)nominal wall thickness, all of which is readily available nationwidefrom commercial steel suppliers. This particular combination fitstogether closely and works well. However, any other suitable materials,sizes, and shapes may be used as would be apparent to persons of skillin the art. Nominal dimensions are understood to mean approximate, plusor minus normal manufacturing variations.

Although exemplary embodiments and applications of the invention havebeen described herein including as described above and shown in theincluded example Figures, there is no intention that the invention belimited to these exemplary embodiments and applications or to the mannerin which the exemplary embodiments and applications operate or aredescribed herein. Indeed, many variations and modifications to theexemplary embodiments are possible as would be apparent to a person ofordinary skill in the art. The invention may include any device,structure, method, or functionality, as long as the resulting device,system or method falls within the scope of one of the claims that areallowed by the patent office based on this or any related patentapplication.

What is claimed is:
 1. A crop divider hinge kit adapted for use in amethod of converting a crop divider fixedly connected to a harvesterhead into a crop divider pivotably connected to the harvester head, whenthe crop divider is fixedly connected to the harvester head by a framecomprising square tubing, when the method comprises the steps ofremoving the square tubing portion of the frame from the harvester head;cutting off a predetermined length of the square tubing from the end ofthe square tubing portion that was connected to the harvester heard;connecting a crop divider hinge kit to that portion of the harvesterhead to which the square tubing portion of the frame was connected;connecting the crop divider to the crop divider hinge kit by placing thesquare tubing comprising the end of the frame from which thepredetermined length of square tubing was cut into the hollow portion ofthe sleeve and affixing said tubing to said sleeve; and alternatelylocking the crop divider in a first longitudinally extending positionappropriate for use in dividing crops and a second position extendinglongitudinally approximately perpendicular to the first longitudinallyextending position; the crop divider hinge kit comprising: a replacementportion of square tubing adapted to connect to that portion of theharvester head to which the square tubing portion of the frame wasconnected, and further adapted to replace the predetermined length ofsquare tubing that was cut off from the frame; a sleeve portionpivotably connected with the replacement portion of square tubing anddefining a hollow portion having an inner profile approximating theouter profile of the square tubing and adapted to receive therein and beaffixed to that part of the square tubing comprising the end of theframe from which the predetermined length of square tubing was cut; thecrop divider hinge kit adapted to alternately lock the crop divider in afirst longitudinally extending position appropriate for use in dividingcrops and in a second position extending longitudinally approximatelyperpendicular to the first position, when the replacement portion ofsquare tubing is connected to the harvester head and the end of theframe from which the predetermined length of square tubing was cut isaffixed to sleeve portion.
 2. The crop divider hinge kit of claim 1,further comprising the sleeve defining holes therein adapted to form atemplate to guide the drilling of holes through the tubing during thestep of affixing said tubing to said sleeve.
 3. The crop divider hingekit of claim 1, further comprising one or more fasteners adapted toaffix said tubing to said sleeve.
 4. The crop divider hinge kit of claim1, wherein said tubing and said sleeve are adapted to be affixedtogether by welding.
 5. The crop divider hinge kit of claim 1, whereinthe sleeve portion comprises second square tubing.
 6. The crop dividerhinge kit of claim 5, wherein the second square tubing comprises a firstportion comprising a top wall and a bottom wall separated by opposingfirst and second side walls, the first or second side wall beingpartially cut-away to form a pivot clearance window.
 7. The crop dividerhinge kit of claim 6, wherein the replacement portion of square tubingis pivotably connected with the sleeve portion by a pivot member thatpasses from the top wall of the second square tubing, through thereplacement portion of square tubing, to the bottom wall of the secondsquare tubing, the pivot member positioned proximate the pivot clearancewindow such that the sleeve portion can pivot relative to thereplacement portion of square tubing about the pivot member from a firstposition where the replacement portion of square tubing extendscoaxially with the sleeve portion, to a second position where thelongitudinal axis of the replacement portion of square tubing extendsthrough the pivot clearance window and approximately perpendicularly tothe longitudinal, axis of the sleeve portion.
 8. The crop divider hingekit of claim 7, further comprising a locking member adapted to beinserted through the top wall of the second square tubing, through thereplacement portion of square tubing, and through the bottom wall of thesecond square tubing, when the sleeve portion is pivoted, relative tothe replacement portion of square tubing about the pivot member to thefirst position where the replacement portion of square tubing extendscoaxially with the sleeve portion to lock the crop divider in a firstlongitudinally extending position appropriate for use in dividing crops.9. The crop divider hinge kit of claim 8, further comprising the lockingmember being adapted to be inserted through the replacement portion ofsquare tubing and simultaneously adjacent to recesses formed in theouter edges of the top and bottom walls of the second square tubingadjacent the pivot clearance window, when the sleeve portion is pivotedrelative to the replacement portion of square tubing about the pivotmember to the second position where the longitudinal axis of thereplacement portion of square tubing extends through the pivot clearancewindow and approximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of thesleeve portion to lock the crop divider in a second position extendinglongitudinally approximately perpendicular to the first longitudinallyextending position.
 10. The crop divider hinge kit of claim 7, whereinthe pivot member consists of a fastener that passes through the topwall, through the square tubing, and through the bottom wall.
 11. Thecrop divider hinge kit of claim 7, wherein the pivot member comprises afastener having a shaft circumferentially surrounded by acompression-limiting spacer.
 12. The crop divider hinge kit of claim 8,wherein the locking member is selected from the group consisting of afastener, a pin, a button handle ball lock pin, a detent pin, a torsionclip, hair pin clip.
 13. The crop divider hinge kit of claim 9, whereinthe locking member is selected from the group consisting of a fastener,a pin, a button handle ball lock pin, a detent pin, a torsion clip, hairpin clip.
 14. The crop divider hinge kit of claim 1, further comprisinga quick-disconnect fastening mechanism adapted to replace a supportmember fastener, where the crop divider is further connected to theharvester head by a support member extending above the square tubingfrom the crop divider to the harvester head, the support member attachedto the harvester head with the support member fastener, thequick-disconnect, fastening mechanism adapted to attach the supportmember to the harvester head when the crop divider is locked in thefirst longitudinally extending position, the quick-disconnect fasteningmechanism adapted to detach the support member from the harvester headto allow the crop divider to be moved to the second position extendinglongitudinally approximately perpendicular to the first longitudinallyextending position.
 15. The crop divider hinge kit of claim 1, furtheradapted to be connected to that portion of the harvester head to whichthe square tubing portion of the frame was connected using fastenersthat had fastened the cut-off portion of the square tubing to theharvester head.
 16. The crop divider hinge kit of claim 1, wherein thesquare tubing comprises one-and-one-half-inch by one-and-one-half-inchnominal outside width and height ASTM A500 square tubing, and the sleeveportion comprises two-inch by two-inch nominal outside width and heightASTM A500 square tubing with 5 Gauge (0.220 inch) nominal wallthickness.